polüpeptiidile

Polüpeptiidile is a term used in Estonian biochemistry to refer to a polypeptide. A polypeptide is a long chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These chains are the building blocks of proteins. The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide determines its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its function.

Polypeptides can range in length from a few amino acids to several thousand. Shorter chains are sometimes referred to as peptides, but the distinction is not always strict. The synthesis of polypeptides occurs in ribosomes within cells, following instructions encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA), which in turn is transcribed from DNA.

Once synthesized, polypeptides often undergo folding and modification processes to become functional proteins. These modifications can include the addition of chemical groups, the formation of disulfide bonds, or the association with other polypeptide chains. The specific arrangement of amino acids dictates how a polypeptide will fold and interact with other molecules, playing a crucial role in various biological processes such as enzyme catalysis, structural support, and signal transduction. The study of polypeptides is fundamental to understanding protein structure, function, and the molecular basis of life.